2018-19 el paso county 4-h livestock project · promotion of 4-h activities and special events...

2018-19 El Paso County 4-H Livestock Projects

Pub. 11/30/18

2018-19 El Paso County

4-H Livestock Project


Table of Contents

Livestock Project Communication Channels ................................................................ Page 2

Livestock Project Committee Board Members, & CSU Extension Contacts ................ Page 3

4-H Pledge, Motto, Slogan ........................................................................................... Page 4

Showmanship .............................................................................................................. Page 5

Meat Quality Assurance (MQA) & Youth for the Quality Car of Animal (YQCA) ......... Page 6

4-H Livestock ID in 4HOnline ....................................................................................... Page 7

Livestock Project Manuals: .......................................................................................... Page 8

Typical 4-H Livestock Project Events ........................................................................... Page 8

Beef Project ................................................................................................................. Page 9

Dairy Cattle Project .................................................................................................... Page 10

Goat Project ............................................................................................................... Page 11

Sheep Project ............................................................................................................ Page 12

Swine Project ............................................................................................................. Page 13

El Paso County 4-H Record Book Guide ............................................................ Pages 14-15

How to participate in the El Paso County Fair Producer Class .................................. Page 16

Team Fitting Contest ................................................................................................. Page 17

Livestock Judging Mock Contest ............................................................................... Page 17

How to Become a Volunteer ...................................................................................... Page 18

4-H Communication

The El Paso County 4-H Newsletter is sent out bi-monthly via e-mail. Be sure to contact the Colorado State

University Extension (CSU) Office in El Paso County if you are not receiving newsletters. The newsletter is

also posted on the Colorado State University Extension El Paso County website at http://

elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-news/.

http://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-news/

http://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-news/


2018-19 Livestock Project Committee Board Members (LPC)

2018-19 Livestock Project Leaders

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

4-H Program Administrative

Assistant

1FTE

Tawnie McConley

719-520-7698

[email protected]

4-H Interim Program Coordinator

PT

Rebecca Raven

719-520-7658

[email protected]

4-H Extension Agent (2 Agents)

2FTE

First point of contact for general 4-H

inquires and day-to-day 4-H club

operations.

4-H Office Reception; Family

Member and Volunteer Assistance;

Handles and Directs

Communications

Oversees 4HOnline and FairEntry

Databases

4-H Enrollment, FairEntry, and

Event Registrations

Scheduling Facility Use/Room

Reservations and Certificate of

Insurance (COI) Requests

Website Updates

Helps to Develop Tools to Support

4-H Projects

4-H Newsletter and

Announcements

4-H Volunteer Applicant Screening

Process

4-H Volunteer Training and

Certification Tracking

All Forms, Initial Review of

Chartering Documents

Support 4-H project-based learning

opportunities and special events

(such as 4-H Super Saturday and

County Fair).

Works with 4-H Project

Committees

Assists Groups with Bylaws,

Policies, and Event Planning

Coordinates 4-H Short-Term,

Special-Interest Offering

Helps to Develop Tools to Support

4-H Projects

Promotion of 4-H Activities and

Special Events

Oversees El Paso County 4-H

Youth Development Program.

4-H Outreach, 4-H STEM

AmeriCorps

Partnerships

4-H Orientation and Volunteer

Leader Training

4-H Ambassador Program and

4-H Youth Council

4-H Club Resources, Project

Tools, and Curriculum

Development

Safety and Risk Management

4-H Policies and Procedures

Grant Management

Evaluation and Reporting

Strategic Planning

4-H Afterschool and School

Enrichment Programs

Colorado State University Extension—El Paso County 4-H Staff Roles & Responsibilities

Beef

Goat

Sheep

Swine


4-H Colors

The 4-H colors are green and white.

Green symbolizes nature's most common color and represents life, springtime, growth and youth.

White stands for purity and high ideals.

4-H Pledge

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service, and

My health to better living,

For my club, my community, my country and my world.

4-H Motto

To Make the Best Better

The 4-H motto encourages youth to do their best and improve the next time, so their “best”

becomes “better”. Members stretch their abilities and capacities to reach their full potential.

4-H Slogan

“Learn by Doing”

4-H activities link learning to the real world. By trying things out

and experimenting in a hands-on learning environment, youth learn

first-handed about topics that “spark” their interest.

4-H is the positive youth development program of the land-grant university system—a community

of more than 100 public universities across the nation providing experiences where young people

learn by doing. School-age youth (ages 5 to 19) complete hands-on projects in the areas such as

health, science, and citizenship, and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

In El Paso County, youth may participate in 4-H after-school programs via AmeriCorps STEM

delivery, one-time or short term experiences such as interest –based workshops, and 4-H clubs.

Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own pathway in 4-H.

Youth select from a variety of local 4-H programs. There are hands-on, learn-by-doing,

opportunities to appeal to a range of interests.


To Consider When Enrolling in a 4-H Livestock Project

Market livestock must be owned by the El Paso County 4-H member. Breeding project animals may be

leased.

Primary Care of 4-H Animal Projects - 4-H members will provide the primary and continuous care of

their project animals from project beginning to completion (ownership period). “Primary” care means there

may be rare circumstances when the youth may not be able to provide the necessary care for the animal

at a particular time, as in illness, short vacations, etc. On such occasions, another individual may be

called upon to provide “secondary” care. Members are required to complete the animal care and housing

document. (see Colorado State 4-H Policies)

Cloverbuds-age 4-H youth (4-H age 5-7) are not permitted to show or exhibit any animals.

Be aware that youth members showing livestock have clothing and equipment requirements. Be sure to

inquire with your 4-H project leader and refer to your 4-H project manual.

Health Certificates - All livestock must be accompanied by an official Health Certificate issued within 30

days prior to stalling at the County Fair. The 4-H Newsletter will announce a low cost “Vet Check” oppor-

tunity to secure the Health Certificate prior to the fair.

Animal Information in 4HOnline - All 4-H project animal information is required to be uploaded into

4HOnline. (see page 7 for more info).

El Paso County 4-H Fair exhibitors are expected to have an up-to-date record book which may be

requested for review prior to the County Fair. (see page 14 for more info.)

What is Showmanship?

In the 4-H Youth Development Program, showmanship is a required educational activity for each species of

animal shown in 4-H classes at community fairs, county fairs, State 4-H Fair qualifying events, youth shows,

and the State 4-H Fair. Showmanship is a required part of each 4-H member's annual experience.

Showmanship (aka Fitting and Showing) is the art of training, grooming, and showing an animal to make the

animal more presentable in competitive exhibitions. Judging of a showmanship contest is based on prepara-

tion of the animals for show, their apparent training, and the appearance and behavior of the participating 4-H

members. 4-H members should be prepared to answer questions from the judge about their project animals.

4-H members can prepare for questions by learning about animal parts, animal feeding, and animal science

topics such as diseases. The 4-H project manual is a good resource to prepare for questions.

Showmanship is not a conformation class. A Showmanship judge only considers conformation to the extent

that it may affect the way an animal should be fitted and shown. Basic skills in both grooming and showing

should not be confused with current fads and trends. The showmanship judge should make placings accord-

ing to the degree of excellence displayed in carrying out fitting and showing practices. Exhibitors should refer

to their project manual in preparing for showmanship contests. Exhibitors should also become familiar with

fitting rules in the show premium so all animals will be groomed and exhibited in a manner consistent with the

show rules. Iowa State University Extension

Members exhibit their animals in classes based on the 4-H age of the youth member: (4-H age is based on member age as of Dec. 31st of the current 4-H year) * Junior Showmanship is for members who’s 4-H age is 8-10 years.

* Intermediate Showmanship is for members who’s 4-H age is 11-13 years.

* Senior Showmanship is for members who’s 4-H age is 14-18 years.


El Paso County 4-H Meat Quality Assurance (MQA)

and Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Explained

REQUIREMENT: MQA is required for youth enrolled in Market and Breeding 4-H animal

projects (Beef, Dairy, Swine, Sheep, Goats, Rabbit, and Poultry Project Members)

1. All first year members are required to attend meat quality assurance (MQA) training.

2. All project members moving into a new 4-H age division are required to attend meat quality

assurance (MQA) training.

Juniors (8-10) moving to intermediate (11-13)

Intermediates (11-13) moving to seniors (14+)

El Paso County MQA training opportunities are typically offered twice a year. Watch the El Paso

County 4-H Newsletter for MQA training details.

3. SWINE PROJECT MEMBERS ONLY:

If 4-Hers in the swine project are not planning to show at any state or national contests,

then MQA rules apply (1 and 2 above).

The Colorado 4-H Program will be utilizing our current State 4-H MQA certification as we

have in the past for the 2018-19 4-H Year.

If the 4-H member in the swine project plans to show at state or national contests, then

they MUST complete a Youth for the Quality Car of Animal (YQCA) training yearly. This

training is available online at http://yqca.org/.

For more on YQCA, go to https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/

sites/44/2018/10/2.-YQCA-Info-packet-2017.pdf

Please Note: Members needing MQA/YQCA training must attend at least 45 days prior to the

El Paso County Fair. Those members who do not meet the MQA/YQCA training requirement

will not be eligible to show at the El Paso County Fair or State Fair.

Further MQA information is available at http://co4h.colostate.edu/program-areas/projects/e-

records/supplemental-resources-animal/.

http://yqca.org/

https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2018/10/2.-YQCA-Info-packet-2017.pdf

https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2018/10/2.-YQCA-Info-packet-2017.pdf

http://co4h.colostate.edu/program-areas/projects/e-records/supplemental-resources-animal/



4HOnline Animal Project Upload Instructions

All 4-H members are required to upload their project animal information in 4HOnline. This is a new

process for livestock project members that will aid in preparing for county fair entries. Please note

the deadline dates to enter project information into the system. Please complete the required fields.

It is helpful if you can upload a picture of your animal along with the Brand Inspection Papers and/

or Bill of Sale if applicable.

Market Beef due in 4HOnline by April 15th

(current 4-H year@ midnight)

Breeding beef, sheep, goats, swine due in 4HOnline by May 15th

(current 4-H year@ midnight)

Market Animals are required to upload: El Paso County (EPC) Ear Tag #, Animal’s Birthdate, and

weight from mandatory weigh-in (if applicable). Weigh-in for swine is optional.

Log in to 4HOnline using your usual login and password then follow the steps below.


4-H Livestock Project Manuals

The Colorado State 4-H Program offers the following resources (publications) which can be ordered from the

CSU Extension Office through your 4-H Club bulk order:

MA0100 - Beef Resource Handbook, $14.00

MA0500 - Dairy Cow Resource Handbook, $12.00

MA1200 - Goat Resource Handbook, $15.00

MA2501 - Sheep Resource Handbook for Market & Breeding Projects, $20.00

MA3100 - Swine Resource Handbook for Market & Breeding Projects, $12.00

Please note: Club Leaders are asked to submit bulk orders to secure the best prices on 4-H member

resource materials. Local tax and a handling fee is charged in addition to the individual book prices.

https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2018/11/201819-EPCPubOrderFormSelfCalculating-

1.xlsx

Typical 4-H Livestock Project Events

Watch the 4-H Newsletter for event details and activity announcements. Keep these dates/events in

mind when planning your 4-H year!

Beef Producer Class Nominations - Photos and animal information due January 31

Market Beef Weigh-in - Typically the first Saturday in February (rescheduled if bad weather)

4-H Super Saturday - variety of 4-H project workshops to attend, typically the first or second weekend in March

Market Beef IDs - Beef IDs must be entered into 4HOnline by April 15

Select Sale Project Animal Auction - Typically held in April at the El Paso County Fairgrounds

Swine/Sheep/Goat Producer Class Nominations - Photos and animal information due April 30

Market Goat/Sheep/Swine Weigh-in - Typically the first weekend in May (rescheduled if bad weather)

Meat Quality Assurance Training (MQA) - Typically held locally in March and again in early May

Breeding Beef, Swine, Sheep and Goat IDs - IDs must be entered into 4HOnline by May 15

El Paso County Fair Livestock Shows - Mid to late July at the El Paso County Fair in Calhan

Colorado State Fair Livestock Shows - Late August through Labor Day Weekend.

https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2018/11/201819-EPCPubOrderFormSelfCalculating-1.xlsx

https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2018/11/201819-EPCPubOrderFormSelfCalculating-1.xlsx


Livestock Project Record Book A Record Book is required to earn project completion.

All e-Records, required supplemental pages, project manuals, and tip sheets are located on the State 4-H Website at:

http://co4h.colostate.edu/program-areas/projects/e-records/. Just scroll down until you see the Livestock Record Books

and click on the appropriate record book according to 4-H age: Senior, Intermediate, or Junior.

Helpful Tips:

Keep all your records!

Take photographs throughout the year of your livestock project. You will need a minimum of 4 project

related photographs for your record book. Photographs should show project progress (such as project

beginning, middle, and end). Photographs need to be more than fair photographs. Please do not include

photographs from school or other non-4-H project activities.

Track your costs and save ALL receipts (food, vet bills, supplies of any kind).

Keep a record of dates and costs for all livestock events you attend (classes, shows, community service,

etc.).

Keep track of mileage, you will need to record this as an expense.

Save a food nutrition label from the feed bag, you will need this information for your record book (you can

usually print this from the internet if you forget).

Complete all pages and questions. If a question doesn’t apply to you, then indicate “N/A” or follow the

directions on the record book page (example: if you are in the breeding project but you did not breed your

animals this year, write “did not breed” on your breeding records).

Date things appropriately! (If it was supposed to be signed or filled in at the beginning of the project year

then don’t date it at the end of the year.)

Check your math, because we will!

You only need one record book for all your livestock projects, if you have more than one species in the

project they can ALL be included in the ONE book. Fill in ALL spaces if you do not know the answer then

write “unknown” or if it doesn’t apply, write “N/A” or follow the instructions on the record book page, in

some cases it is also acceptable to estimate. BUT NEVER LEAVE AN ANSWER BLANK!!! Enter all

information in date order.

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR PROJECT! Do not procrastinate too much or you will get stressed to complete

this book at the last minute and it won’t be fun.

Goals - It is important to write goals each year. Goals help you learn more about your project and your

life. It is also important to think of how you will accomplish your goals. Goals may be personal or project

related. Answer the questions about each of your projects and goals. Use complete sentences for Goals

but not Project Plan.

Equipment/Supplies Inventory - Record equipment, tools, trailers, fencing, and any other items used for

your project this year. Record things that you own and things that you borrow. Remember to include items

you have listed in Other Expense Record. Record all animals in Animal Inventory, Animal Purchase

Record or Breeding Supplement as appropriate. Add more lines/pages as needed. Start this list at the

beginning of the 4-H year and add to it anything you use for your project.

Animal Inventory - At the start of your project, record all the animals you own in START Animal Invento-

ry. If you sell an animal or one dies, record "sold or died" in the third column for that animal. Any animals

you buy should be recorded in Animal Purchase and NOT in START Animal Inventory. Remember to

http://co4h.colostate.edu/program-areas/projects/e-records/


record any animals you sell as Income. At the end of your project, record all the animals you still have in

END Animal Inventory. Do not leave this blank. Record "no animals owned" where applicable.

Required Supplements - The following projects require a supplement page: Breeding Beef, Dairy Cow,

Ewe, Goat Doe, Breeding Goats, Cashmere Goats, Sow. Supplement pages can be found at http://

co4h.colostate.edu/program-areas/projects/e-records/supplemental-resources-animal/.

Animal Purchase Record - Record the animals that you purchase during this 4-H year. Record the cost

of the animal under the correct project column and under total cost. Remember to label the project col-

umns and record if an animal died. If you own an animal at the beginning of the 4-H year, it should be

listed in START Animal Inventory and NOT in Animal Purchase Record. Record "no animals purchased" if

you did not buy any animals for your project(s) this year.

Health Record - Enrolling in an animal project requires you to take responsibility for the health of your

animal. Record all health care for your animal(s). Health care can be medicine (shots, dewormer, pills) or

management (fly prevention, nail/hoof trimming, shearing, clipping, cleaning pens, feed tubs, and water

tanks, etc.) Also include supplements and medicated feeds (check the feed tag). Remember to record the

cost of health care services and supplies in Health Expense Record. Do not leave any blanks. Record N/A

where applicable.

Feed Expense Record - Record all feed you buy for your animal(s) this 4-H year such as grain, hay,

supplements, medicated feeds, and water. Record the amount (include units) and cost. Record pasture if

you pay to rent it. If animal is boarded, calculate feed costs separately from board cost. Record board cost

in Other Expense Record.

Other Expense Record - Record all costs for non-feed and non-health items such as show supplies,

equipment, tack, stall or barn rent, tagging, clinics/lessons, shows, brand inspections, gas for car or truck,

farm utilities (except water), etc. Record "no expenses" if there were none this 4-H year.

Income Record - Record any money you earned this year. Income may be from selling animals, equip-

ment, or tack, or from show winnings, barn work, etc. If you still own your project animal(s) at the end of

the 4-H year, record that animal(s) in END Animal Inventory and NOT in Income Record. Record "no in-

come" below if you did not receive any money this year.

Financial Summary - Record the totals from other pages to see if you made or lost money on your live-

stock project this year.

Market Animal Performance - This page is ONLY for Market Animal projects (Beef, Goat, Sheep, &

Swine). Record N/A in the Project box if you are not in one of these market projects. Did these animals

make weight at your county fair? Choose ONE PROJECT to complete your Market Animal Performance

on.

Involvement Records - 4-H Members must complete a community service activity and a demonstration

in order to complete their project. The 4-H program also provides additional opportunities for leadership,

exhibition, and judging. Record your involvement in these areas which may be within or outside of 4-H.

Record "none" or N/A where it applies.

Project Pictures - Include a minimum of four pictures each with a descriptive caption. Include pictures

that demonstrate the progress of your project. Additional photos may be added.

4-H Story - Tell us about your 4-H experience in a story. The following may be used as a guide to help

you in compose a story related to your project(s).

Goal Reflection: Answer ALL questions!

Project Completion: Be sure and have ALL signatures and dates; Leader can be club leader, livestock

project leader, or a project committee member, Do not leave it blank!




How to participate in the El Paso County Fair Producer Class

Producers classes are livestock classes for exhibitors who raised their own exhibit animals in market sheep,

market goats, market swine, market beef, and breeding heifer projects. Individuals who breed and raise their

own animals will show against one another. 4-H members must nominate their producer project animal by

submitting photographs and animal information by the producer species deadlines.

This class is in addition to the regular market class, but does not increase the number of market animals you

can bring to the El Paso County Fair. 4-H members will be limited to the species limit as published in the fair

premium.

Producer Nominating Procedure

The rules and nomination procedure are the same as for all species. You will be limited to nominating 10

animals. You must be enrolled in the breeding project; the animals must still be nursing (when photos are

taken); and the animals must be tagged, notched or tattooed by the producer. It is recommended that

organizational club leaders verify nominations to assure the animal was born at the member’s place of

residence; this must be done while the animal is still nursing.

To nominate an animal, the member should take a photograph (preferably digital) of the animal with its dam

so that any distinguishing marks are visible (this should be accomplished prior to the animal being weaned).

This picture (including picture of tag) along with a written description of the animal as well as sex, date of

birth, animal ID or tag number (some form of identification on the animal such as ear notches on swine,

tattoos for goats, etc. must be used). The photographs and animal identification information must be

submitted to the Extension Office in the 4-H member’s name by the appropriate deadline below:

Market Cattle and Breeding Heifer nomination Deadline is Jan 31.

Market Swine, Sheep, and Goats nomination Deadline is Apr 30.

Remember nomination verification must be completed prior to weaning. One photograph should capture the

animal nursing.

The producer class is in addition to the regular market classes and is placed 1-10. Producer class market

animals will be shown in a market producer class at the El Paso County fair and must be tagged in at the

Weigh-In for that species under the name of the producer. The producer market animal must make weight

and all market animal rules/processes must be followed.

In addition to the live placing of the animals, a Champion Producer will be awarded per species/category.

There will be three parts to be evaluated as part of the Champion Producer Award.

Producer Class: Participants will receive an inverse number of points from their placing. For example, if

there are 10 entries in the class, 1st place earns 10 points, 2nd earns 9 points, etc.

Questions: 2-5 questions will be asked by the judge relating to production of the corresponding species.

All entries will be asked the same questions or similar questions. The interview will take place in the

show ring following judging of the Producer Class. Each contestant will earn a score from 1-10,

based on the answers and knowledge of the contestants.

Completed Breeding Record Book: Competitors will receive points equal to one decimal place less that

their percent score on their record book (i.e. a score of 85% will earn 8.5 points)

The Champion Producer for each species will be awarded at the Achievement Celebration.

Please submit all Producer Class photographs and identification information to the CSU Extension Office at

17 N. Spruce Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80905. E-mail submissions may be sent to

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Producer%20Class


TBD Team Fitting Contest El Paso County 4-H is working on developing a Team Fitting Contest. More details to come.

What is a team fitting contest? The purpose of a fitting contest is to encourage 4-H member

teamwork while enhancing the animal fitting skills of the team members. Each fitting team brings

grooming equipment and supplies (a pre-approved list of what can be used is provided ahead of

time).

Judges typically evaluate the following:

Ability to fit the animal/fitting techniques (within a limited timeframe)

Organization of supplies and equipment

Participation of each team member (teamwork and safety)

Overall effect/final results

Showmanship of the Animal (one team member performs Showmanship)

Watch the 4-H Newsletter for more details and how to register your team!

TBD Livestock Judging Mock Contest El Paso County 4-H is hoping to offer a Mock Livestock Judging Contest during the El Paso County

Fair. More details to come.

What is a Judging Contest? In the 4-H program a judging contest is an opportunity for 4-H mem-

bers to learn life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and how to communicate. When 4-

H members participate in judging contests they use project knowledge to evaluate a class of items

or animals based on a standard. In a Livestock Judging Contest, youth learn how to judge animals

based on breed and industry standards. Youth are introduced to what to look for when selecting live-

stock for a breeding program or to show. 4-H members learn to evaluate confirmation and develop a

better understanding of the differences between breeds of animals.

Watch the 4-H Newsletter for more details and how to register. Individual 4-H members may partici-

pate, you do not need to have a team. There is no requirement to have been coached in Livestock

Judging prior to participating in the Mock Judging Contest. This is a “try it” opportunity.


ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

You could become a 4-H Livestock Project Committee Member!

Help us with events: Beef Weigh-in Select Sale Swine, Sheep and Goat Weigh-in El Paso County Fair Livestock Shows Concessions Fundraisers

We need leaders! Event Organizers Project Leaders Be sure to share your other skills!

If you are interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer, go to the El Paso County website at

http://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-with-4-h/ or call the CSU Extension Office at 719-520-7698

for more information.

Colorado State University Extension in El Paso County 17 North Spruce Street Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Phone: 719-520-7698 http://elpasoco.colostate.edu

Office Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 - 5:00 PM. 12:00 - 1:00 PM by appointment only. Closed on Holidays.

Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and El Paso County cooperating.

Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. If you have a disability for which you seek an accommodation, please notify the CSU Extension El Paso County 4-H Office ten days prior to the event.